Merlin Cycles Classic Series (3 of 6)

Becky Storrie (Brother UK-Team OnForm) showed her climbing ability and took her first ever open victory in the final round of the Merlin Cycles Classic Series in Castle Douglas.

The 22-year-old who finished third in last year’s National Hill Climb Championship showed her form to win the event by over six minutes.

Meanwhile, it was confirmed that Keri Parton (Pro Vision RC) won the women’s overall title ahead of Louise Scupham (Liv AWOL) – both of whom were absent at the final round.

The final round of this year’s series saw riders competing over 26.2 miles of undulating terrain with 1,000 feet of climbing along the banks of Loch Ken.

After following the Loch Ken on the outward leg along the A713 the toughest roads came on the return leg of the event including the two main climbs.

The New Galloway climb came at approximately half distance and after the Lauriston turn at about mile 21. Gradients stayed under 4% and peaked around 6% on a few short sections.

Storrie, from the Bridge of Allan in Stirlingshire, clocked a winning time of one hour, one minute and 20 seconds on her way to a clear victory – an average speed of over 25.6 miles per hour.

Alexandra Hayden (Vanelli-Project GO) was part of the team that finished third in the National Team Time Trial Championship last month.

On this occasion she took second in 1-07-55 ahead of team-mate and quickest veteran on scratch Hazel Smyth (1-08-56).

Second in women’s veteran on scratch was Frances Butler (Vanelli-Project GO) while Fiona Cockburn (Torvelo Racing) was third in the age category.

In the junior time trial category Rebecca Saunderson (Studio Velo) was quickest girl clocking 1-13-04 ahead of juvenile Abbey Thompson (Suffolk Youth Race Team) in second (1-14-46) and Sophie Heighton (Ferryhill Whs) in third (1-15-44).

Heighton also placed second overall in the junior’s category.  

“It was really good, the weather was kind to us and it stayed dry,” said Storrie.

“I hadn’t ridden the course before except a quick look on Google Maps last night, the road surface was a lot rougher than I thought it was going to be.

“It was a tough course. The first half was basically in a straight line and the second half was windy, up and down. I quite like the lumpy terrain.

“I’m new to time trialling this year so I definitely want to do more in the future. The sporting courses are much more fun to ride and more to them than the straight dual carriageway courses.”

Meanwhile, in the road bike category veteran Jemma McNeill (Newton Stewart Triathlon Club) took victory clocking 1-16-33.

Second woman in the road bike category was juvenile Kayla Dinnin (Dumfries CC) who finished in 1-18-55.

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